Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I just got back from California, some friends and I hiked the Lost Coast trail in northern CA and then went down to Big Sur and day hiked for a few days there.

 

Thought this was an interesting read and video. For the rotomolded coolers. Tons of brands and sizes to choose from. Only one I didn't see on there was the RTIC. But looking into the Siberian coolers.

EDIT: Forgot to add the link

http://www.coolersonsale.com/ultimate-ice-challenge-results/

 

Only issue is I don't have a whole lot of time to do extended day hikes, since I have to drive from Canyonlands to Zion that day. They'd have to be close to the road.

 

Well the hike itself isn't that long, but it takes most of an hour from Escalante to get to the trailhead because it's on a dirt road. It's very well maintained, and we hauled ass down the road, even at 4am when we got there. You get to the trailhead, and it's about an 800' descent and then a short walk to the first slot. I wouldn't called it an extended day hike, but it'll take some time. Most definitely worth it, was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

 

That does look awesome. I may modify my route slightly to save some time, then I could do it.

 

You can also do 1 canyon and not both if youre short on time. They're very close together, you come out one, walk a little ways, and go into the other. They kind of form a loop trail, total distance was less than 2 miles IIRC. Just Google Peekaboo and Spooky gulch loop trail.

 

I hear there's going to be a big heat wave hitting CA soon...

If you're going to be backpacking next week...hopefully you won't cook!

 

Did a day hike on Monday in Utah up to Lake Blanche for some exercise, exploration, and light fishing. Just an easy 7 mile round-trip but it had a nice 2700' elevation gain in 3.4 miles. The forecast showed rain and cooler temps, so I packed appropriately. I ended up going again 2 days later after my conference was over, and the sun was out and it was much warmer. I spent about 3 hours at the top enjoying this amazing place so close to SLC. There are 3 total lakes at the top, and I caught at least one trout per lake before I could let myself leave.

Because this was a side adventure on a half-week business trip, I wanted to pack light so I could just carry on and not check any bags. I thought I would share my gear list for those who also travel for work and would like to pack light for side trips. I also have some pics.

Gear

• Marmot Kompressor Plus 20 pack (my favorite summit pack)
• Home-made Sawyer Mini gravity water filter
• 3L Camelbak Mil Spec Antidote hydration bladder/hose
• North Face rain/wind breaker
• Lip balm
• Small roll of backpack TP
• Ultralight spin fishing rig (telescoping 5' South Bend rod, 20 series Okuma Avenger, pill bottle with flies/spinners/float bubble)
• People Socks (ankle height, mid weight)
• Merrell Moab Ventilators
• Hybrid shorts
• WoolX basic tee
• Shemaugh (great for cooling off and wiping sweat off your brow)

I never even needed to use the filter. I was hiking with a friend who has little experience, but he surprisingly brought enough of his own water so I didn't have to filter for him. The air was so moist on the first trip that I only drank about half of my water on the way up, and another half liter on the way down. Almost the same on the second day. Filter was unnecessary weight but it's so light that I don't mind packing it. Needed the windbreaker/rain jacket multiple times on the first trip, and only for a bit on the 2nd trip because it was earlier in the morning and very windy up top at the lakes.

Enjoy the pics.

































Rubber boa (yes, a real snake)

 

Thanks for sharing Seabass, those are nice pictures!
Makes me want to get out in it so badly...

 

I consider this camping gear. My first real camera....I can take proper pictures of my camping adventures.



Now I just need to figure out how to use it.

 

Quick overnighter in Yosemite backcountry. Started at about 4200', topped at about 8200' same day at Grouse Lk.

 

Nice! I carry a 7D, which is pretty heavy, but I'm used to it. I'm also buying the PeakDesign CapturePro from Massdrop as a hopefully better way to carry it.

 

Damn, I recognize that waterfall! What are the lakes just below that? Twin lakes or something like that? I went there a few years ago with my family but have forgotten the names of the lakes. Really beautiful area with so few people around for Yosemite. How was your trip?

 

That's Chilnualna Falls. I did what I call the lakes loop. Grouse, Crescent, Royal Arch, Buena Vista and Chilnualna Lakes.

Uneventful hike. Lots of uphill climb. Small patches of snow on north faces above 8500'. I did more mosquito-feeding than anything else... :-/

 

Hmmm none of those names sound familiar... I just looked at google maps and figured out that it was Young lakes, by Ragged peak. I swear that waterfall looks exactly like one up there at the middle Young lake.

Oof, uphill and mosquitoes. Sounds wonderful! Hopefully some good views in there to make the uphill worth it!

 

Young Lks still have a bit of snow along them. I'll be doing Glen Aulin to White Wolf next weekend. Should be a tough crossing with the snow melt...

 

I have and do. I was expecting a bit cooler temps thru today, but the heat came a day early... I had some picardin but they seemed unphased...

 

Have you guys tried treating clothing with permethrin?

 

I do that. Just haven't done it for this season yet. I find it effective to treat my hammock too.